Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41543650›Full record

ArticleCJEM2026

Enhancing emergency department nursing retention through in-house ACLS training: a quality improvement initiative.

Zachary MacDonald, Nicholas Costain, Matthew Lipinski

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in CJEM, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Zachary MacDonaldDepartment of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada. zmacdonald@toh.ca.ORCID 0000-0002-3399-0915
Nicholas CostainDepartment of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Matthew LipinskiDepartment of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-1586-7761

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThis quality improvement initiative aimed to address nursing retention in the emergency department (ED) at The Ottawa Hospital by providing accessible, in-house advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) training. The program sought to reduce barriers to certification, increase job satisfaction, and improve clinical confidence.

methodsFunded through an Ottawa Hospital strategic plan initiative, 16 subsidized ACLS courses were offered over 2 years (2023-2024), including both full courses and recertifications. The program utilized a blended learning model, combining online modules with hands-on, ED-specific scenarios facilitated by local ED physicians. A total of 172 nurses completed the program. Participants were surveyed to assess the program's impact on retention, job satisfaction, and confidence in ACLS skills.

resultsAmong 65 survey respondents (40.4% response rate), 73% reported that the program was important to their decision to remain in the ED, while 69% felt more valued by the organization. Participants reported increased confidence in ACLS skills (92%), with 98% rating the hands-on practice as sufficient for skill development. Course satisfaction was high, with 98% rating the program as excellent or good, and 83% strongly preferring the blended learning model as compared to the traditional didactic course. Qualitative feedback highlighted the program's role in reducing barriers to professional development and enhancing preparedness for critical care scenarios.

conclusionThe in-house ACLS program at The Ottawa Hospital was associated with higher self-reported nursing retention, job satisfaction, and skill confidence while addressing logistical and financial barriers to ACLS certification. Feedback on the blended learning model and ED-specific scenarios was highly positive. This program serves as a model for other institutions seeking to implement similar initiatives to enhance nursing retention.

Indexed as

Clinical CompetenceEmergency NursingEmergency Service, HospitalJob SatisfactionNursing Staff, HospitalQuality ImprovementFemaleHumansMaleOntarioSurveys and Questionnaires

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.